The Epoch Times reports that the conflict involving Iran has disrupted oil shipments through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy chokepoint. Despite these risks, China has continued importing Iranian crude oil through alternative “backdoor” channels using gray-market trade networks. Sources cited in the report claim that, despite the ongoing military conflict, shipments of Iranian oil to Chinese ports in provinces such as Shandong and Zhejiang have remained steady.
Iran’s Jask Port plays a central role in this arrangement. Located outside the Strait of Hormuz, the port enables oil shipments to bypass heavily monitored maritime routes. According to the report, China supported the construction of a strategic pipeline stretching approximately 1,000 kilometers from Goreh to Jask, allowing Iran to export oil directly via the Gulf of Oman. This infrastructure is described as part of a broader contingency strategy designed to ensure continued energy flows under conditions of heightened sanctions or military conflict.
Shipping data cited in the report indicates that a network of so-called “shadow tankers” has been operating in the Gulf of Oman, often disabling tracking systems and conducting ship-to-ship transfers to obscure the origin of the oil. According to maritime analytics firm Kpler, Iran’s oil exports have remained resilient, averaging about 2.1 million barrels per day since the outbreak of hostilities—slightly higher than pre-conflict levels.
Source: Epoch Times, March 13, 2026
https://www.epochtimes.com/gb/26/3/13/n14718099.htm